Rules of War

The newly affirmed president of the Herjin Senate was lifting its arm to the ceiling in celebration when a shot rang out and their brain matter exited their carapace in an explosion of gore and shell.

Before the Herjin that were gathered could comprehend what had happened a human walked onto the stage with a pistol in one hand and what looked to be a detonator in the other.

"This is a dead man's switch tied to several nuclear weapons we have place around your capital. If I die, so do many of your citizens. I will deliver a message and then my team and I will freely leave this planet. Once we are a safe distance away we will send through the co-ordinates of the bombs."

At the mention of their team, the other commandos in the hall uncloaked and walked up to the stage to stand with them.

"Not too long ago we expanded beyond the borders of our system and thanks to the generosity of the Espreans we achieved a level of technology comparable to most."

The doors to the hall opened as Herjin Guard rushed in and took aim at the commandos. Nearby senators waved them down.

"One of the worlds we settled on soon after was Shepard's Hope and-"

"That world is now known as Xyzet human," one of the Herjin cut in.

"We'll get to that, I promise you," the commando replied.

"After a year of prosperity and trade including with the Herjin, we suddenly lost contact with our colony there. A frigate sent through was almost disabled by the Herjin warship in orbit and we were told the planet was no longer ours."

"This we know human. Xyzet is a plentiful planet and its resources have strengthened the empire," another senator added.

"Then I am sure you also know we approached the Espreans for advice on how to handle this. We are mostly peaceful now but as a species our history is littered with the dead from our wars. We asked what the rules of enagagement would be if we choose to enter conflict with you," the commando said now directly addressing the senator.

"I am sure you were met with amusement at this, yes?" the senator said with antenna vibrating in its own amusement.

"Indeed it was. We asked them to confirm that there were no treaties or other agreements about the rules for conflict between species in the galaxy. They assured us unless it had been agreed beforehand between the two parties there were none. They told us that the taking of our planet was simply the opening round of negotations on a new trading relationship."

"Why did we need this recap human? Before we deal with you and your supposed bombs what was the point in this?"

"Let me recap some more recent history for you before we continue and then I will get to my point. Four months ago a Herjin patrol vessel in the Luyten's Star system suffered a catastrophic main drive failure and all hand were lost."

"How did you know of this?" the senator asked as his antenna started to lower.

Ignoring the senator the commando turned to address the rest of the senate hall.

"Three months ago, the Herjin city of Perswyx suffered the impact of an asteroid. A freak accident that seemed to baffle Herjin scientists. Not long after, the survivors on the planet started to get sick and die of a previously unknown disease. You currently have the planet quarantined for the safety of the Empire."

A low rumble of conversation built up as the senator's started to understand what was being said.

"Two months ago a set of anti-empire Herjin rebels started to step up their campaign against you in a large way. Two weeks ago there was an attack against this very city in which your previous president lost their life. I understand it was a one in a million shot that killed them."

The commando with the large rifle lifted their hand at this.

The hall erupted in noise and the commando had to shout to be heard.

"All of these things are small efforts compared to what we are capabale of. The Herjin Empire will leave Shepard's Hope and never return. Consider the trade negotiations ended."

With the message delivered, the commando team walked out of the building leaving the angry but fearful Herjin to watch as they went.

The Herjin returned Shepard's Hope to humanity within the week and soon after their diplomatic corps were busy signing treaties governing the rules of engagement should any conflict arise between humanity and others.